1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

JustMrWill

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 12, 2003
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I am looking for any information on a Johnson outboard.<br /><br />Model 65ESL-72S. In searching this forum I have found that it is what is stated in the subject but I know nothing else about it. This boat was given to me so I am expecting the worst. Any information about this OB will be greatly appreciated. I am also looking for a good repair manual...I have yet to be impressed with the generic Selco or Clymers...anybody know where I can get a Johnson manual? (yes..check ebay).<br /><br />Thanks.<br />JustMrWill
 

Paul Moir

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Nov 5, 2002
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Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

Here's the other places you can get reprint of the factory manual:<br />TheOutboardWizard<br />Mastertech<br />Marine Engine<br />Ken Cook <br />There's no comparison between these and the Seloc or Clymers.<br />I've never owned one myself, but a lot of knowlegable people around here are pretty fanatical about the 3 cylinder loopers. Yours ought to have the hydro-electrical shift which wasn't half the trouble the older straight electric shift units were. Also, if it's hydro-mechanical shift, you need to run OMC/BRP 'Premium Blend' or other brand 'Type C' oil that says it's for electric shift outboards. This is much thinner than the normal stuff.<br /><br />For interest's sake:<br /> 1972 Johnson Brochure<br /><br />Like anything, you'll want to give it the normal checkup. Compression test, replace the lower unit oil, link&sync, and figure on servicing the water pump soon.<br /><br />PS - I see there's a '73 manual on ebay now for $9. I don't know about the later manuals, but earlier ones also covered the previos year if there were any changes.
 

JustMrWill

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Aug 12, 2003
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877
Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply...this is my 2nd boat in 2 years and first OB. I am a total novice on OBs so I want to take it slow. <br /><br />Is there anything I need to know about O/Bs vs I/Os? Can anybody give me a quick step by step how to start this engine?<br /><br />JustMrWill
 

Cricket Too

Lieutenant Commander
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May 14, 2003
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1,732
Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

Welcome to the world of outboards. First pump the primer bulb until it's hard, then lift the fast idle lever a little, maybe halfway, push the key in and turn, should start right up, once it does use the idle lever to bring the RPM's down. I have a 1970 70hp and I usually don't have to even use the fast idle lever, just prime, push the choke(key)in and start. Sometimes after it sits for a while, I'll have to use the idle lever, but usually only after the winter storage when there is fogging oil in it or if I haven't used in a couple of weeks. Good luck with it, these are very good strong motors.
 

Paul Moir

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Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

One thing to keep in mind is that 2-stroke engines are very fuel sensitive, or I should say sensitive to leaning out. For example, if one of those carburetors gets clogged up the other two will keep the engine going. Since the oil is carried with the fuel, the cylinder with the clogged carb will be running without lubrication. Simply, if the engine isn't running right, don't run it until you figure out what's wrong with it.<br />A fuel/water seperator is a good investment, just like on an I/O. But on a 2-stroke it helps keep the engine in one peice. :) <br /><br />That's just a thought that occured to me - you might not be familiar with that since you're from the I/O world. Oh, and by the way, the fuel/oil mix on that engine is 50:1 87 octane gas to TC-W3 rated outboard oil.
 

JustMrWill

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
877
Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP Information

Thanks Paul....you are correct to assume that I dont even know fuel to oil mix ratios etc...I knew that I needed to mix it but...not how much. Thanks.<br /><br />JustMrWill
 
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